The Rural Islands Economic Partnership (RIEP) leads, inspires, and cultivates sustainable economic resilience and community well-being through collaborative initiatives and partnerships for the benefit of BC's rural islands and the Indigenous Communities who have traditional or reserve lands on these islands.

From the Frontline:  BC’s Rural Islanders Organize For Immediate Solutions To Climate Emergency The Rural Islands Economic Partnerships (RIEP)  Emergency Preparedness event on November 30th, highlighted the importance of inter-island reliance, and dependence on regional and national systems during crisis situations.

"Rural islanders understand one another...and the unique needs we face as a community,”said Gabriola islander Julie Sperber, a Board Director of RIEP. “No matter the crisis —whether it is a pandemic, fire, flood or other natural or man-made disaster — we need to learn how to plan for recovery by learning what has already worked at a local level, and what to consider on a national and global scale, and then find ways to adapt and implement the best emergency response for the benefit of our communities and businesses.”   During the event a panel of experts shared practical steps on how to mobilize rural communities to prepare for emergency response and recovery. . .

Quadra Island Emergency Program Coordinator, Jeff Ballingall spoke about the importance of developing a volunteer-led initiative that engages the community at the grassroots level in order to prepare and plan for emergencies. Jeff explained:“Local efforts need to recognize and work within the Emergency Management framework in BC. Aligning with Local Authority plans through your Regional District and to the Province is key to being effective during an emergency.”  “Our experience can perhaps serve as a model for other rural islanders looking to develop a comprehensive community emergency program, or to make their current program more effective.” Jeremy Stone, Director and Founder of Recovery and Relief Services, shared the importance of strategic planning that takes into consideration economic recovery planning for rural communities. “Business recovery and service disruptions are often felt most acutely in rural communities,” said Mr. Stone. “The pandemic saw many small businesses closing their doors permanently, and the recent floods can have similar economic impacts. Rural recovery requires long-term planning, community collaboration, resilience, and adaptation, and the dialogue RIEP has begun is an important first step to building solutions for the next crisis.”

Special guest: Elizabeth May, Member of Parliament for Saanich and the Gulf Islands said: “We must secure commitment and funding to empower rural communities to prepare and train in advance of the next crisis, and more importantly be ready for recovery.” She continued by saying: “We need to act now because doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result won’t cut it anymore. We must fight climate change, while adapting to the growing climate emergency. We will need a lot more adaptation and a lot more climate action to hold to 1.5 degrees. At the local level we must mobilize. We will need to increase our community resilience.”

Emergency Prep Resources BC Emergency Support Service Community Disaster Resilience Planning -The Justice Institute Local Economic Recovery & Restart Toolkit-BCEDA

RIEP is Member Led Join Us!

As A RIEP Member, YOU Can: Learn.  Tune-in for sector specific webinars and ‘how-to’ skills building seminars – all with a rural islands focus.  As A RIEP Member, YOU Can: Connect. Engage and deepen connections with fellow rural islanders at the monthly Connection Café for networking, business and art showcases, expert panels and more! As A RIEP Member, YOU Can: Shape. Your place at the table helps us realize a unified voice for effecting change and action at the local, provincial and federal level. As A RIEP Member, YOU Can: Support. Contribute to RIEP's rural islands focused programming by joining a RIEP Committee, including the planning committee for the next Rural Islands Economic Forum, set for Oct 2022. As A RIEP Member, YOU Can: Grow. Take advantage of Rising Tide Business Services, offering Digital Marketing Solutions.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN!

Emergency Prep Resources BC Emergency Support Service Community Disaster Resilience Planning -The Justice Institute Local Economic Recovery & Restart Toolkit-BCEDA

The Rural Islands Economic Partnership (RIEP) leads, inspires, and cultivates sustainable economic resilience and community well-being through collaborative initiatives and partnerships for the benefit of BC's rural islands and the Indigenous Communities who have traditional or reserve lands on these islands.

Follow us: ‌ ‌ ‌